d n a t s c h Enrichment MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE


Step back in time at Blenheim Palace


B


lenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is a stunning venue for an educational day trip rich in history, art and


culture. Built between 1705 and 1722, it is one of England’s largest stately homes and is famous as the birthplace of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Fun and interactive staff-led


workshops on history, English and maths take place in the MI5 Room and are themed around the Second World War. Pupils are encouraged to work together to find information to help them solve a series of problems in an escape room-style adventure. They can use a range of materials and methods: learning from Churchill’s inspiring speeches; handling historical objects; and the buildings and environment of the palace itself. The workshops have been


‘I learnt a lot!’ STAFF-LED WORKSHOPS


for KS1, KS2 and KS3 pupils from £15.50 per pupil


teacher information sheets, pupil worksheets, Blenheim’s tree trail and a sensory map. Pupils can access audio tours via the Blenheim Palace and Churchill


Exhibition mobile apps with 360 degree visual tours of the state rooms.


‘The teachers loved our trip to


designed to be fun and fulfilling, with teams rewarded for their effort and approach to the tasks. History, English and maths workshops consist of a 45-minute classroom session and a 45-minute guided tour of the state rooms. For self-led school visits, there is a


wealth of resources to help get the most from each trip, including


Blenheim Palace,’ says Kiron Wilcox, a form teacher from Ashfold School in Aylesbury. ‘It was busy and purposeful, covering so many areas of learning. The team was keen, kind and patient with the children. All the staff were tremendously enthusiastic and willing to communicate and educate.’ blenheimpalace.com/visitus/ education/onsite-learning


‘When we arrived, we took in the breathtaking view of the stately home. The staff welcomed us and took us to the MI5 Room, which contained five stations. We went around each one, learning about the Second World War, Winston Churchill and VE Day. Our task was to find clues that would lead us to a number. Once we had completed all the stations, we had the code, which we used to unlock a chest and receive a prize! ‘As we looked around the house, our guide told us about its history and the family who owned it. ‘After lunch, we boarded a small


train, which took us to another part of the grounds. We played in the maze and got lost a few times! Afterwards, we visited the butterfly house. The trip was an enjoyable day out and I learnt a lot from the experience.’ Year 8 pupil from Pinewood School, Shrivenham, Wiltshire


School Fundraising SUMMER 2025 53


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BY EMMA GRIFFIN


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